Mosquito Population Boom Coming

Associated Press

Updated: 2 years ago.

Scientists are predicting a large mosquito population in Georgia during the next few weeks. Elmer Gray, an entomologist with the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service, says the nuisance mosquitoes are expected to be particularly bad in coming weeks. However, Gray said the type of mosquitoes expected to attack Georgians in increasing numbers are not the primary carriers of West Nile virus. (Photo Courtesy of C. Frank Starmer.)

Scientists are predicting a large mosquito population in Georgia during the next few weeks.

Elmer Gray, an entomologist with the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service, says the nuisance mosquitoes are expected to be particularly bad in coming weeks.

However, Gray said the type of mosquitoes expected to attack Georgians in increasing numbers are not the primary carriers of West Nile virus.

The Southern house mosquito, one of dozens of mosquito species in Georgia, is the vector for West Nile virus. They breed in places like storm sewers. The recent heavy rains have flushed them out, leaving their populations low for now.

Peak season for West Nile virus is from about mid-August to mid-September he said.